Smittylube
Member
I have been riding since the 70's before mountain bikes were a 'thing'. Bought a Wicked Fat Chance in about 1991. Used to ride almost every day. Fast forward with marriage, 2 kids, ect. Been through a few other bikes since, but kept the wicked till a couple years ago.
About 9 years ago I had a local builder John Caletti make me another steel bike in 29er flavor since I liked the feel of the fat so much. The local close trails about 1/3rd of a mile to my house have a high amount of sand. I went single speed hard tail with a very steep head angle.
Lately I have not been enjoying it as the trails have become more torn up Rooty steps and such, been thinking about a FS type of ride.
Then my buddy comes out to ride and his GF has the rail7. I hop on it to see what these Ebikes are bout and in 100' I could tell it was the sh!t. Then my wife who was in dire need of a decent mountain bike tried it on the trail and was all smiles. SOLD!
I started to do a little bit of research and found the E caliber was lighter and IMO looks amazing, so I rode that around quite a bit, but initially it felt almost exactly like my current hard tail as far as cockpit size and position. I was less than impressed with climbing assist compared to the rail, also in my mind I was interested in more of an all mountain type of ride this time. Hopping on the rail after time on the E caliber really sealed the deal.
So our LBS has a few 7's in stock, so we snagged them.
First thing I did was lower tire pressures, the shop set our initial shock pressures and left all the settings stock, rear link in slack position. Popped on some nice Stamp 7's pedals. Rotated the brake levers down more.
Riding felt amazing. I was initially unsure of the slack steer setup and how well would I adapt or will it corner quick enough for me in our tight twisty single track trails. I found I adapted in less than 10 miles and actually prefer how it rails in the corners. Downhill runs with root steps and log crossings feel excellent and confidence inspiring. Dropping the seat and the shorter cockpit allow me to slide behind the seat on the steeper drops or DH sections and I often put the seat in a mid position in the faster less steep sections. I did snag the Wolftooth dropper lever that incorporates the brake lever mount and love the smooth operation and fit since I use my dropper post every other turn now.
So now I am opening up and riding more trails I would have avoided on my single speed as well as more techie trails I avoided from the hard tail. The tough steeper climbs are doable for me now, the loose sand sections have become a non issue and even the corners this thing grips. I don't loose the front and have only gotten it to drift the front wheel slightly one time in 60 miles. My only complaint at this time is my hands get sore on the longer DH sections so I am investigating possibly changing the damper in front and going 170mm as well thinking of lower tire pressure still. I Feel the steering is so positive now I don't want to get a 'mushy' feel from too low tire pressure.
Overall this bike has hit a grand slam IMO. Up, down, level it is a blast. So happy to stoked about riding again.
I also put the Wolftooth multitool in the handlebar end. Hopefully it won't be needed.
About 9 years ago I had a local builder John Caletti make me another steel bike in 29er flavor since I liked the feel of the fat so much. The local close trails about 1/3rd of a mile to my house have a high amount of sand. I went single speed hard tail with a very steep head angle.
Lately I have not been enjoying it as the trails have become more torn up Rooty steps and such, been thinking about a FS type of ride.
Then my buddy comes out to ride and his GF has the rail7. I hop on it to see what these Ebikes are bout and in 100' I could tell it was the sh!t. Then my wife who was in dire need of a decent mountain bike tried it on the trail and was all smiles. SOLD!
I started to do a little bit of research and found the E caliber was lighter and IMO looks amazing, so I rode that around quite a bit, but initially it felt almost exactly like my current hard tail as far as cockpit size and position. I was less than impressed with climbing assist compared to the rail, also in my mind I was interested in more of an all mountain type of ride this time. Hopping on the rail after time on the E caliber really sealed the deal.
So our LBS has a few 7's in stock, so we snagged them.
First thing I did was lower tire pressures, the shop set our initial shock pressures and left all the settings stock, rear link in slack position. Popped on some nice Stamp 7's pedals. Rotated the brake levers down more.
Riding felt amazing. I was initially unsure of the slack steer setup and how well would I adapt or will it corner quick enough for me in our tight twisty single track trails. I found I adapted in less than 10 miles and actually prefer how it rails in the corners. Downhill runs with root steps and log crossings feel excellent and confidence inspiring. Dropping the seat and the shorter cockpit allow me to slide behind the seat on the steeper drops or DH sections and I often put the seat in a mid position in the faster less steep sections. I did snag the Wolftooth dropper lever that incorporates the brake lever mount and love the smooth operation and fit since I use my dropper post every other turn now.
So now I am opening up and riding more trails I would have avoided on my single speed as well as more techie trails I avoided from the hard tail. The tough steeper climbs are doable for me now, the loose sand sections have become a non issue and even the corners this thing grips. I don't loose the front and have only gotten it to drift the front wheel slightly one time in 60 miles. My only complaint at this time is my hands get sore on the longer DH sections so I am investigating possibly changing the damper in front and going 170mm as well thinking of lower tire pressure still. I Feel the steering is so positive now I don't want to get a 'mushy' feel from too low tire pressure.
Overall this bike has hit a grand slam IMO. Up, down, level it is a blast. So happy to stoked about riding again.
I also put the Wolftooth multitool in the handlebar end. Hopefully it won't be needed.
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